06 January 2025
Most Common Current Threats Detected by X-ray Scanners at Airports
In addition to supporting trillions of dollars in trade and travel, borders serve as crucial economic hubs that protect countries from illegal activities like terrorism, human trafficking, and smuggling. At the sea, land, and airport borders, X-ray security systems are essential for spotting guns, explosives, contraband, and hidden hazards. Inspections of cargo containers at maritime borders guard against terrorist threats and contraband, protecting extensive transportation networks. Full-body scanners are used in airports, which are high-risk sites, to identify bombs and weapons in order to protect both national security and passenger safety. X-ray scanners are used at land borders to check persons, goods, and vehicles in an effort to prevent human trafficking, illegal immigration, and smuggling.
Among the main advantages of X-ray security systems are:
Let us know if you’d like further details on any specific threat or detection technology!
Among the main advantages of X-ray security systems are:
- Accurate identification of hidden objects.
- Increased security for border guards.
- Non-invasive examinations to maintain the integrity of the cargo.
- Quicker and more economical scanning procedures.
- With professional advice, smooth integration, and access to state-of-the-art technology, LINEV Systems® offers sophisticated X-ray solutions designed for airport, land, and marine security, guaranteeing the best possible border protection.
1. Explosives
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs): These are one of the most significant threats, often hidden in luggage or personal items.
- Plastic Explosives: Materials like C-4 or PETN are challenging to detect visually, but advanced scanners can identify them by density and atomic composition.
2. Firearms and Ammunition
- Guns, parts of firearms, or ammunition concealed in baggage are identified through X-ray images. Smugglers may disassemble weapons to hide them in innocuous items.
3. Knives, Blades, and Sharp Objects
- Items such as box cutters, knives, and concealed blades are restricted and detected due to their metal composition and shapes.
4. Lithium Batteries
- Overheating or damaged lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk, particularly in cargo holds. Airport X-rays identify improperly packed or damaged batteries.
5. Drugs and Narcotics
- Smugglers often conceal drugs in luggage, clothing, or even within the human body. Scanners can detect unusual shapes or densities that indicate hidden substances.
6. Concealed Weapons
- Items like brass knuckles, batons, or disguised weapons (e.g., pens or combs with hidden blades) can be flagged through X-ray imagery.
7. Flammable Liquids and Gases
- Airport scanners detect liquids, gels, and aerosols that could be used to create improvised incendiary devices. Restrictions on liquid volumes aim to mitigate this risk.
8. Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Threats
- While X-rays primarily identify metallic and dense materials, some scanners integrate additional detection methods to identify chemical or radioactive substances.
9. 3D-Printed Firearms or Plastic Weapons
- Non-metallic weapons, often 3D-printed, pose emerging challenges. Advanced scanners detect these through density analysis and shape recognition.
10. Currency Smuggling
- X-rays can identify large amounts of hidden currency (e.g., rolled bills), often concealed in clothing, shoes, or electronic devices.
11. Electronic Devices with Hidden Compartments
- Laptops, tablets, and other electronics may be altered to conceal weapons, explosives, or contraband. X-ray imaging reveals tampering or unusual internal structures.
Advances in X-Ray Detection
Modern airport security systems use multi-view X-ray machines, CT scanners, and Automated Threat Detection (ATD) software powered by AI to identify anomalies more efficiently. These technologies address both traditional threats like weapons and emerging threats like 3D-printed items or cleverly disguised explosives.Let us know if you’d like further details on any specific threat or detection technology!